Martin Ferguson
Minister for Resources and Energy
Minister for Tourism
Jan McLucas
Senator for Queensland
Oprah Winfrey and her audience today discovered the ocean wonders of the Whitsundays as part of their Ultimate Australian Adventure.
Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP said that Tourism Australia, in partnership with Tourism Queensland and industry partners, has put together a truly exciting program of activities to showcase the world class tourism experiences on offer in Tropical North Queensland.
“Audience members visited the beautiful Whitsundays, experiencing Hamilton Island and the Great Barrier Reef,” Minister Ferguson said.
“The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most iconic tourism destinations and it will now be on display as part of this important visit.”
Jan McLucas, Senator for Queensland, extended a very warm welcome to the audience members and invited them to make the most of Queensland’s genuine hospitality.
“We welcome Oprah on her inaugural visit to North Queensland. It is a great opportunity to showcase our region to the rest of the world and gain invaluable international exposure.”
Tourism generates $9.2 billion dollars for Queensland’s economy.
The Oprah Winfrey Show is seen by more than 40 million viewers in the US each week and airs in 145 countries globally.
With the strong economy and high Australian dollar, more Australians are choosing to holiday overseas at the same time that more international visitors are coming to Australia.
Senator McLucas said Oprah’s Ultimate Australia Adventure will encourage more visitors to Australia but it will also remind Australians that some of the best holiday destinations in the world can be found right here in our own back yard.
“I encourage more Australians to follow Oprah’s lead and head to the Tropical North for their holidays.”